What is School Readines?

* has a sense of trust, security and stability to be able to enter new situations and

learn.

* can feel comfortable if s/he is away from you for several hours.

* is curious

* can play with other children.

* can play independently for short periods.

* can listen to a story.

* can use the bathroom by him or her self.

* has the capacity to look and listen carefully and focus for short periods of time.

* attend to and learn new skills and concepts.

When may my child begin school?

Children can enter school at the beginning of the school year if they will turn five years old by September 1st of this school year. For those children who turn 5 between September 2 and Dec. 2 of this school year, they may start school in August in Transitional Kindergarten (TK).

You may not be sure if your child is ready for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten. Talk with your child’s preschool teacher or the TK or K teacher(s) before school starts to discuss any of these issues. If your child has special needs, be sure to talk to the school and teacher before your child enters school. Teachers and all school personnel want to make sure that all children are successful as they transition into school.

Transitional Kindergarten Program

Not all children are ready for Kindergarten when they turn 5. Because of this, Black Oak Mine Unified School District now offers a– a two-year Kindergarten experience for children who turn 5 between the Sept 2 and Dec. 2 and for those who may not quite be ready for the full Kindergarten curriculum. This means your child will start school in the first year in Transitional Kindergarten and then have a second year in a traditional Kindergarten class.

A transitional year of Kindergarten means that your child will experience a positive socially and emotionally appropriate year and be exposed to the concepts and skills taught in Kindergarten at a pace that is appropriate for them. Your child will then be fully ready for Kindergarten the following year. We are very excited to offer this program to all families in our area.

The school district offers a Transitional Kindergarten class at Northside School for all students, and TK/K multi-age class at Georgetown School. American River Charter also offers a TK/K multi-age class. If you would like more information regarding Kindergarten, or Transitional Kindergarten, please contact, Monica Woodall, Early Education Services Coordinator at Northside School 885-4079 or mwoodall@bomusd.org ﻿

Children who are 5 between Sept. 2 and and Dec. 2 may enter this program at the beginning of the school year. There are also limited spots available for children who turn 5 between Dec. 2 and March 15 of the school year to enter school in January. This will depend on the enrollment/class size and child’s birthdate. If you are interested in this option for your child, please discuss this with the school district personnel.